ES2829501T3 - Aerosol valve with defined flow paths - Google Patents

Abstract

Aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) for dispensing a product formulation from a container, the aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) comprising: a mounting cup (50) on the container to orient the aerosol valve ( 40, 70, 90) in the container; a gasket (52) located on the mounting cup (50); a valve stem housing (48) located below the mounting cup (50) and adjacent to the gasket (52), the valve stem housing (48) defined by an internal chamber having a base, a upper part defined by a first diameter, a lower part defined by a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and a middle part of a variable diameter that decreases between the upper part and the lower part, the middle part having the shell valve stem (48) a surface along an entire internal circumference of the valve stem housing (48), the surface being inclined to connect the upper part to the lower part to create an annular hard abutment surface ( 49); a valve stem (46, 76, 96) located in the valve stem housing (48) such that an upper portion projects through and above the gasket (52), the valve stem (46) comprising , 76, 96), a valve stem opening (58), a center hole (54), and a member (59), wherein the valve stem (46, 76, 96) can be moved from a higher position when the aerosol valve (40, 70) is in a closed, non-actuated position, to a lower position when the aerosol valve (40, 70) is fully actuated; a compression spring (44, 74) located in the valve stem housing (48) and for supporting the valve stem (46, 76, 96) by the member (59), the compression spring (44, 74) comprising ): a spring coil which, in a first position, forms a plurality of spaces (45) with each space (45) between adjacent turns of the spring coil; a central space circumscribed by the spring coil with a central space diameter, wherein the spring coil and valve stem housing (48) define a first flow path (60, 80, 100) and a second flow path flow (62, 82, 102) when the product formulation in the reservoir flows upward under pressure, and where the first flow path (60, 80, 100) is in and through the central space of the compression spring (44 , 74), around the outside of the valve stem (46, 76, 96), entering the valve stem opening (58) and the central hole (54), characterized in that the valve stem opening (58 ) is disposed radially through the valve stem (46, 76, 96), the center bore (54) extends from the top to at least the valve stem opening (58) to provide fluid communication between the valve housing. valve stem (48) and valve stem (46, 76, 96), the member (59) is arranged around a circumference of the valve stem (46, 76, 96) below the valve stem opening (58), the gasket (52) covers the valve stem opening (58) When the valve stem (46, 76, 96) is in the non-actuated closed position, the annular hard abutment surface (49) of the valve stem housing (48) and the member (59) are interference structures that They prevent the spring coil from having its coils fully together, wherein the second flow path (62, 82, 102) is in and through the coils of the spring coil and the spaces (45) between them.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Aerosol valve with defined flow paths

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Disclosure field

The present disclosure relates to the field of aerosol valves for the delivery of product formulations having solids. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol valve having a valve stem, compression spring, and a hard stop that prevents full compression of the compression spring when the consumer presses the valve stem to dispense formulations. product that have solids, creating defined flow paths.

2. Description of Related Art

Aerosol valve structures for product formulations containing solids can fail due to agglomeration (caking) of solids in the flow passages in the internal space of the valve stem housing. Conventional aerosol valve designs often employ flow paths that have long, narrow channels, abrupt changes in flow direction, and recirculation zones - any or all of which can cause solids in the product formulation to clump together and obstruct flow paths.

Additionally, conventional aerosol valves have a compression spring that is fully compressed (that is, the individual spring coils are firmly pressed against each other) when a consumer fully presses the valve stem to dispense or spray product. However, the compressed spring coils form a barrier to the upward flowing product formulation and therefore force the product and propellant to follow a flow path that is almost entirely along the exterior. of the fully compressed spring coils, as there is little or no space between the spring coils to allow the product formulation and propellant to flow between the spring coils or access the volume in the center of the compression spring. Therefore, a fully compressed compression spring (i.e. with the coils together) in the conventional aerosol valve provides little or no product mixing, or little surface area to break up clumps of solids that can build up and obstruct flow paths. .

In addition, because the compression spring coils together form a barrier that keeps most of the product flow outside, the opening (steam intake) only affects a small part of the product flow path and, therefore, it does not absorb the maximum potential amount of product or propellant.

Document US 5 605 258 A discloses such an aerosol valve comprising a mounting cup, a gasket having a central opening, a valve housing, a valve stem and a valve body, wherein the stem of valve and valve body move within the valve housing in response to pressure on the valve stem. The valve body comprises a cylindrical wall defining a recess in the valve body. The cylindrical wall has at least one thin region extending from an upper shoulder of the wall, the thin region and the cylindrical wall defining a groove below the thin region. The slot communicates with the interior of the container when the valve is actuated. The solution disclosed in US 5605258 A improves mixing and reduces clogging by providing a swirl chamber with tangential openings. Upon entering the swirl chamber through the two tangential openings arranged on opposite sides of the chamber, the aerosol enters a turbulent motion that breaks up the agglomerations.

DISCLOSURE SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an aerosol valve that provides an additional flow path for product and propellant that improves mixing of the product formulation.

The present disclosure also provides such an aerosol valve that provides an additional flow path for product and propellant that improves mixing of the product formulation, reduces agglomeration of solids in the product that could otherwise clog flow paths in the aerosol valve, increases the turbulence of the product formulation as it flows through the aerosol valve and feeds more of the product directly into the opening for better product dispensing.

The present disclosure further provides an aerosol valve having a valve stem, housing, compression spring, and a hard stop between the valve stem and the housing. The hard stop prevents the compression spring from fully compress (with the coils together) when the consumer presses the valve stem to dispense a product, so that there are open spaces between the adjacent coils of the compression spring.

The present disclosure further provides that the resulting open spaces between the coils of the compression spring create an additional flow path for the product formulation and propellant that provides product and propellant access to the central space circumscribed by the compression spring.

The present disclosure also provides that the compression spring has these open spaces that can function as a deflector and a static mixer.

in the product formulation as they flow through the aerosol valve.

The present disclosure further provides that the gaps between the coils of the compression spring also increase turbulence in the flow path and can break up agglomerations of solids in the product formulation that might otherwise obstruct the flow path.

The present disclosure still further provides that the aerosol valve structure directs the product inlet to preferentially flow through the center of the spring diameter and cascade through the open coils on the upper end of the compression spring. .

The present disclosure still further provides that the aperture (vapor intake) is positioned adjacent the open spring coils to maximize the impact of the product and propellant at the center of the fluid flow in the interior space formed by the compression spring.

The present disclosure also provides that the aerosol valve has a valve stem with large cross-sectional passages that allow the product formulation to flow directly from the dip tube through the center of the compression spring. This configuration allows product flow to be smoothly bypassed around the valve stem, reducing back pressure (resistance).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a prior art full stroke aerosol valve illustrating the flow paths around the exterior of the fully compressed compression spring (with the coils attached).

Figure 2 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol valve of the present disclosure, with a section showing some of the interior structures in the aerosol valve.

Figure 3 is a side view of the exterior of the valve stem portion of the aerosol valve of Figure 2.

Figure 4A is a side view of the valve stem housing portion of the aerosol valve of Figure 2. Figure 4B is a section through a portion of Figure 4A to show some of the interior structures in the valve housing. aerosol valve stem.

Figure 5 is a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol valve of the present disclosure in a closed position (idle mode) and seated on top of an aerosol container.

Figure 6 is a cross section of the aerosol valve of Figure 5 in an open (fully actuated) position.

Figure 7 is an exploded view of a portion of the aerosol valve of Figure 6, illustrating the contacts between the valve stem and compression spring, and the hard stop between the valve stem and the valve housing. valve stem.

Figure 8 is an illustration showing how gas and liquid mix in the aerosol valve.

Figures 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are cross-sectional perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol valve of the present disclosure showing the primary and secondary flow paths at various positions of the aerosol valve stem. Figure 9A shows the aerosol valve in its closed position (sleep mode). Figure 9B shows the aerosol valve when the valve is slightly ajar to an open position. Figure 9C shows the aerosol valve in a partially open position (half stroke). Figure 9D shows the aerosol valve in a fully open position (full stroke).

Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C are additional cross-sectional side views of an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol valve of the present disclosure, in a closed position (sleep mode), a partially open position (half stroke), and a fully open position. open (fully powered mode), respectively.

Figures 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D are cross-sectional perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol valve of the present disclosure showing the primary and secondary flow paths at various positions of the aerosol valve stem. Figure 11A shows the aerosol valve in its closed position (sleep mode). Figure 11B shows the aerosol valve when the valve is slightly ajar to an open position. Figure 11C shows the aerosol valve in a partially open position (half stroke). Figure 11D shows the aerosol valve in a fully open position (full stroke).

Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C are cross-sectional side views of another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol valve of the present disclosure, in a closed position (sleep mode), a partially open position (half-stroke), and a fully open position. (fully powered mode), respectively.

Figures 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are cross-sectional perspective views of yet another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol valve of the present disclosure showing the primary and secondary flow paths at various positions of the aerosol valve stem. Figure 13A shows the aerosol valve in its closed position (sleep mode). Figure 13B shows the aerosol valve when the valve is slightly ajar to an open position. Figure 13C shows the aerosol valve in a partially open position (half stroke). Figure 13D shows the aerosol valve in a fully open position (full stroke).

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol valve of the present disclosure in a closed position (sleep mode).

Figures 15A and 15B are cross-sectional perspective views of yet another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol valve of the present disclosure showing the primary and secondary flow paths when the valve is open and closed. Figure 15A shows the aerosol valve in its closed position (sleep mode). Figure 15B shows the aerosol valve when the valve is fully tilted (full stroke).

Figures 16A and 16B are cross-sectional perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol valve of the present disclosure showing the primary and secondary flow paths when the valve is open and closed. Figure 16A shows the aerosol valve in its closed position (sleep mode). Figure 16B shows the aerosol valve when the valve is fully tilted (full stroke).

Figure 17A is an illustration of CFD (computational fluid dynamics) testing to show propellant and product flow streams through and over the windings of the compression spring within the valve stem housing of one embodiment of the Aerosol valve of the present disclosure Figure 17B is another view of the flow streams of Figure 17A, without the surrounding aerosol valve structures, whereby the flow streams are clearly shown.

Figure 18A is an illustration of CFD testing to show propellant and product flow streams through the coils of the compression spring within the valve stem housing of another embodiment of the present aerosol valve. disclosure that it has a full spring seat. Figure 18B is another view of the flow streams of Figure 18A, without the surrounding aerosol valve structures, whereby the flow streams are clearly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

With reference to the drawings and, in particular, to Figure 1 which is a conventional or prior art aerosol valve generally represented by reference numeral 10. Valve 10, shown in Figure 1 in full stroke, shows the flow path of the product formulation around the outside of the compression spring before the formulation can enter the center hole (opening) of the valve stem.

The aerosol valve 10 includes a dip tube 12, a compression spring 14, a valve stem 16, a valve stem housing 18, a mounting cup 20, and a gasket 22. The valve stem 16 is enclosed in the valve stem housing 18. The valve stem 16 has a pair of openings (not shown in Figure 1) through which a pressurized high solids product formulation passes to enter the central orifice 24 of the valve stem 16. The mounting cup 20 orients and stabilizes the aerosol valve 10 in its proper position on the product. Valve stem 16 contacts compression spring 14 at point of contact 26.

The compression spring 14 exerts an upward pressure on the valve stem housing 18, which is pressed against the gasket 22 which is located on the inner face of the mounting cup 20. The valve stem 16 has a top protruding through gasket 22 and mounting cup 20, and being pressed by the consumer to spray the product formulation.

When the consumer presses the valve stem 16 to spray the product, the product formulation flows upward through the internal space of the valve stem housing 18 in a flow path 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, compression spring 14 is fully compressed (ie, fully actuated), pushing the individual coils of compression spring 14 together so that there is little or no space between any of the individual coils. In this configuration, the coils of compression spring 14 act as a barrier to the space within the compression spring, requiring the product formulation to flow up a long path through valve stem housing 18 which is almost entirely along the outside of compression spring 14. This long and tortuous primary flow path increases the likelihood that solids in the product formulation will agglomerate and obstruct the flow path, causing the formulation passage of product in the flow path to slow down or block completely, causing product failure.

Figures 2 to 10 show various exemplary embodiments of an aerosol valve 40 of the present disclosure.

Figures 2 to 4 show a first embodiment of the aerosol valve 40 that includes a dip tube 42, a compression spring 44, a valve stem 46, a valve stem housing 48, a mounting cup 50, and a gasket 52. Valve stem 46 is enclosed in valve stem housing 48. Valve stem 46 has a valve stem opening 58 that is disposed radially through valve stem 46 and through which passes a pressurized formulation of high solids product to enter the center hole 54 of the valve stem 46. The center hole 54 extends from the top of the valve stem 46 to at least the valve stem opening 58 to provide fluid communication between valve stem housing 48 and valve stem 46. Valve stem member 59 46 is disposed around a circumference of valve stem 46 below the valve stem opening 58. The seal 52 covers the valve stem opening 58 when the valve stem 46 is in the closed non-actuated position.

Figures 5 and 6 show a mounting cup 50 that orients and stabilizes the aerosol valve 40 in its proper position on the aerosol container. Compression spring 44 exerts an upward pressure on valve stem housing 48, which is pressed against gasket 52 which is located on an inner face of mounting cup 50. Valve stem 46 has a portion top protruding through gasket 52 and mounting cup 50, and being pressed by the consumer to dispense (spray) the product formulation.

Figure 7 shows that the aerosol valve 40 has a hard stop 49 between the valve stem 46 and the valve stem housing 48. The valve stem housing 48 is defined by an internal chamber having a base, a part upper part defined by a first diameter, a lower part defined by a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and a middle part of a variable diameter that decreases between the top and the bottom, the middle part having the stem housing valve stem 48 a surface along an entire inner circumference of the valve stem housing 48, the surface being sloped to connect the top to the bottom to create an annular hard stop surface 49. The hard stop surface annular 49 of valve stem housing 48 and member 59 are interference structures. Valve stem 46 contacts compression spring 44 at point of contact 56. Hard stop 49 prevents valve stem 46 from fully compressing compression spring 44 so that even when the consumer fully depresses the valve stem valve 46 to dispense (spray) the product formulation, the individual coils of compression spring 44 retain some space between them; that is, even when valve stem 46 is fully actuated, compression spring 44 does not "stick its coils" together (ie, it has little or no space between adjacent coils of the spring).

Aerosol valve 40 has fewer sudden changes in flow direction, compared to the flow paths of prior art aerosol valves. This reduces the propensity of solids in the product formulation to agglomerate in flow paths, providing fewer places where particles can accumulate, and therefore reduces product failures.

One embodiment of valve stem 46 has four (4) passages (not shown) that are large in cross section, to minimize carry-over and thus reduce agglomeration of solids in the product formulation as the product passes, reducing the incidence of product failures.

The passages easily allow the product formulation to flow directly from dip tube 42 through the central space within compression spring 44, and deflects smoothly around valve stem 46. Valve stem 46 is preferably a tapered valve stem body. These structures and configuration reduce the back pressure (resistance) to flow of the product formulation before it reaches the valve stem opening (s) 58. This is an advantage over conventional valve flow paths, which require abrupt changes in the direction of flow and passage through long, narrow channels before reaching the valve stem openings.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, compression spring 44, when not fully compressed, has open spaces 45 formed between adjacent turns of compression spring. This allows the coils of compression spring 44 to function as a "baffle" and / or as a "static mixer" for the components of the product formulation.

The spaces 45 between the individual coils in the compression spring 44 increase turbulence along the propellant and product flow paths. This turbulence can break up agglomerations of solids in the product formulation as it moves along the flow path, thus reducing the likelihood that the solids will agglomerate and obstruct any of the flow paths. In this way, the coils of compression spring 44 can "atomize" the solids in the product formulation; that is, keeping solids at their smallest individual particle size, on average, with little or no "lumps" of solids.

Spaces 45 between coils of compression spring 44 also improve mixing of the product formulation when solids flow through aerosol valve 40.

The spaces 45 between the coils of the compression spring 44 (when open for spraying) also direct the inlet of the product formulation so that it preferentially flows through the center of the compression spring 44 and cascades out through the open coils and over the upper end of the compression spring 44.

Spaces 45 between coils of compression spring 44 create an additional defined flow path for product and propellant that improves mixing of the product formulation, reduces agglomeration of solids that could otherwise block the flow path, increases the turbulence of the product formulation as it flows through the aerosol valve and feeds more product directly into the opening for better product delivery.

The gasket 52 is a flexible material that seals the space between the mounting cup 50 and the valve stem housing 48. The gasket 52 is preferably made of rubber or a similar flexible material. The gasket 52 is preferably in the form of a gasket. A seal between the seal 52, the valve stem housing 48, and the mounting cup 50 occurs by compression during crimping of the cup 50. Pressing on the valve stem 46 may slightly deform the seal similar to a gasket between the gasket 52 and the valve stem housing 48, as well as between the gasket 52 and the mounting cup 50.

Dip tube 42 is the access point for the product formulation stored in the container (not shown) to aerosol valve 40.

The aerosol valve 40 preferably forms the largest possible flow path cross-sections that are viable, given the limitations of the valve stem housing, the geometry of the compression spring, and the moldability of the valve stem ( for strength and formability).

Figure 8 shows how liquid flow and gas mix with each other in the aerosol valves of the present disclosure (shown as aerosol valve 40, with valve stem housing 48 and center hole 54 labeled for reference ).

Figures 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D show the primary and secondary flow paths through the aerosol valve 40 at various positions of the valve stem 46. Figure 9A shows the aerosol valve 40 in its closed position. rest) when there is no flow. Figure 9B shows the aerosol valve 40 in a slightly ajar position, where the valve stem 46 presses slightly on the compression spring 44, creating a primary flow path 60 and a secondary flow path 62 between the individual coils in the compression spring 44. Figure 9c shows aerosol valve 40 in a partially open (half stroke) position, illustrating primary flow path 60 and secondary flow path 62 when valve stem 46 presses somewhat more fully on compression spring 44. Figure 9D shows primary flow path 60 and secondary flow path 62 when aerosol valve 40 is in a fully open position (full stroke). The valve stem 46 is fully actuated and reaches a hard stop (not shown) to partially, but not completely compress the compression spring 44. The hard stop may be, but does not have to be, part of the inside surface of the valve. valve stem housing 48 interacting with (eg, contacting) valve stem 46. Compression spring 44 does not bind its turns and some space is maintained between the individual turns of the compression spring to form a flow path for the product and propellant.

Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C show cross sections of one embodiment of the aerosol valve 40 in its various stages as the consumer presses the valve stem. Figure 10A shows the aerosol valve 40 in a closed, non-actuated position (sleep mode). Figure 10B shows the aerosol valve 40 in a partially open position (half stroke). Figure 10C shows the aerosol valve 40 in a fully open position (fully actuated mode).

Figures 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D show the primary and secondary flow paths through another embodiment of aerosol valve 40 at various positions of valve stem 46. Figure 11A shows aerosol valve 40 in its closed position. (sleep mode), when there is no flow. Figure 11B shows aerosol valve 40 in a slightly ajar position, where valve stem 46 slightly presses compression spring 44, creating a primary flow path 60. Figure 11C shows aerosol valve 40 in a partially open position. open (half stroke), illustrating primary flow path 60 when valve stem 46 presses somewhat more fully on compression spring 44. Figure 11D shows primary flow path 60 when aerosol valve 40 is in a fully open position (full stroke). In this position, valve stem 46 is fully actuated and reaches a hard stop (not shown) to partially compress compression spring 44. As noted above, the hard stop can be, but does not have to be, part of the interior. of the valve stem housing 48 which contacts the valve stem 46.

Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C show cross sections of yet another embodiment of an aerosol valve of the present disclosure, generally depicted as aerosol valve 70. The aerosol valve 70 is shown in its various stages when the consumer presses the stem of the aerosol valve. valve. Figure 12A shows the aerosol valve 70 in a closed, non-actuated position (sleep mode). Figure 12B shows the aerosol valve 70 in a partially open position (half stroke). Figure 12C shows the aerosol valve 70 in a fully open position (fully actuated mode).

Figures 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D show the primary and secondary flow paths through the aerosol valve 70 at various positions of the valve stem 76. Figure 13A shows the aerosol valve 70 in its closed position (release mode). rest) when there is no flow. Figure 13B shows the aerosol valve 70 in a slightly ajar position, where the valve stem 76 presses slightly on the compression spring 74, creating a primary flow path 80 and a secondary flow path 82 between the individual coils of the spring. compression 74. Figure 13C shows the aerosol valve 70 in a partially open (half-stroke) position, illustrating the primary flow path 80 and the secondary flow path 82 when the valve stem 76 presses somewhat more fully on the valve stem. compression spring 74. Figure 13D shows primary flow path 80 and secondary flow path 82 when aerosol valve 70 is in a fully open position (full stroke). As before, in this position, the valve stem 76 is fully actuated and hits a hard stop (not shown) to partially compress the compression spring 74. However, the compression spring 74 does not meet its turns, and remains some space between the individual coils of the spring to form a flow path for the product and the propellant.

Figure 14 shows yet another embodiment of an aerosol valve of the present disclosure, generally depicted as aerosol valve 90. Aerosol valve 90 is shown in a closed, non-actuated position (sleep mode).

Figure 15A and Figure 15B show the primary and secondary flow paths through another embodiment of the aerosol valve when the aerosol valve 90 is in a closed position and in a fully open (inclined) position, respectively. In this embodiment, the aerosol valve 90 is actuated by tilting the valve stem. As used in this application, "tilted" means that the valve stem is tilted away from its vertical position at rest, and "tilted" means pushing against the top of the valve stem so that the valve stem is tilted away. from its upright position at rest. For example, the valve stem can be tilted between about 5% and about 10% from the vertical position to actuate the aerosol valve. Figure 15A shows valve stem 96 in its closed position (rest mode) and there are no flow paths. Figure 15B shows the aerosol valve when the valve stem 96 is fully inclined (ie, full stroke), and the resulting primary flow path 100 and secondary flow path 102.

Similarly, Figure 16A and Figure 16B show another embodiment of the aerosol valve 90 when the aerosol valve is in a closed position and in a fully open position (the valve stem is tilted), respectively. Figure 16A shows the aerosol valve and valve stem 96 in a closed position (rest mode), and there are no flow paths. Figure 16B shows the aerosol valve when the valve stem 96 is fully inclined (ie, full stroke), and the resulting primary flow path 100 and secondary flow path 102.

In another embodiment, the product formulation of the present disclosure is a mixture of two types of media, such as a mixture of a powder (solids) and a propellant. [0046] A method of using the aerosol valve described above for delivery of a product formulation is also provided. The procedure uses the aerosol valve that has a hard stop that prevents full compression of the compression spring when the consumer presses the valve stem to dispense the product. The resulting gaps between the coils of the compression spring create an additional flow path for product and propellant and can act as a deflector and / or static mixer. The process improves the mixing of the product formulation, reduces agglomeration of solids that could otherwise block the flow path, increases the turbulence of the product formulation as it flows through the aerosol valve, and feeds more product. directly to the opening for a better dispensing of the product. The aerosol valve structure also allows product and propellant to be loaded into the aerosol container on a single production line, increasing manufacturing speed and reducing material usage.

EXPERIMENTAL PART

Testing the proposed aerosol valve with high solids product formulations has not resulted in any recordable cases of product failure to dispense during the full life test. This is in contrast to laboratory tests with known aerosol valve designs that failed due to caking with a high solids formulation that showed a propensity to caking.

Figures 17A and 17B provide the results of a CFD test showing the product and propellant flow currents through and over the turns of the compression spring within the valve stem housing of one embodiment of the valve stem. aerosol of the present disclosure. Primary flow path 60 shows product and propellant flow as it passes through and through compression springs 44 and valve stem housing 48 when valve stem 46 is depressed (opened) for testing. Figure 17B is another view of the flow streams of Figure 17A, without the surrounding aerosol valve structures, whereby the flow streams are clearly shown.

Figures 18A and 18B provide the results of another CFD test showing the flow currents of the product and propellant through the turns of the compression spring within the valve stem housing of another embodiment of the aerosol valve of the present disclosure having a full spring seat. Primary flow path 60 shows product and propellant flow as it passes through and through compression springs 44 and valve stem housing 48 when valve stem 46 is depressed (opened) for testing. Figure 18B is another view of the flow streams of Figure 18A, without the surrounding aerosol valve structures, whereby the flow streams are clearly shown.

As used in this application, the word "approximately" for dimensions, weights and other measures means a range that is ± 10% of the expressed value, more preferably ± 5% of the expressed value, and most preferably ± 1% of the expressed value, including all subintervals between them.

Claims (14)

1 . Aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) for dispensing a product formulation from a container, the aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) comprising: a mounting cup (50) on the container to orient the aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) on the container; a gasket (52) located on the mounting cup (50); a valve stem housing (48) located below the mounting cup (50) and adjacent to the gasket (52), the valve stem housing (48) defined by an internal chamber having a base, a upper part defined by a first diameter, a lower part defined by a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and a middle part of a variable diameter that decreases between the upper part and the lower part, the middle part having the shell valve stem (48) a surface along an entire internal circumference of the valve stem housing (48), the surface being inclined to connect the upper part to the lower part to create an annular hard abutment surface ( 49); a valve stem (46, 76, 96) located in the valve stem housing (48) such that an upper portion projects through and above the gasket (52), the valve stem (46) comprising , 76, 96), a valve stem opening (58), a center hole (54), and a member (59), wherein the valve stem (46, 76, 96) can be moved from a higher position when the aerosol valve (40, 70) is in a closed, non-actuated position, to a lower position when the aerosol valve (40, 70) is fully actuated; a compression spring (44, 74) located in the valve stem housing (48) and for supporting the valve stem (46, 76, 96) by the member (59), the compression spring (44, 74) comprising ): a spring coil which, in a first position, forms a plurality of spaces (45) with each space (45) between adjacent turns of the spring coil; a central space circumscribed by the spring coil with a central space diameter, wherein the spring coil and valve stem housing (48) define a first flow path (60, 80, 100) and a second flow path (62, 82, 102) when the product formulation in the reservoir flows upward under pressure, and wherein the first flow path (60, 80, 100) is in and through the central space of the compression spring (44, 74), around the outside of the valve stem (46, 76, 96), entering the opening valve stem (58) and in the center hole (54), characterized by what the valve stem opening (58) is arranged radially through the valve stem (46, 76, 96), the center hole (54) extends from the top to at least the valve stem opening (58) To provide fluid communication between the valve stem housing (48) and the valve stem (46, 76, 96), the member (59) is disposed around a circumference of the valve stem (46, 76, 96) below valve stem opening (58), the seal (52) covers the valve stem opening (58) when the valve stem (46, 76, 96) is in the closed non-actuated position, the annular hard abutment surface (49) of the valve stem housing (48) and the member (59) are interference structures that prevent the spring coil from having its turns fully together, wherein the second flow path (62, 82, 102) is in and through the turns of the spring coil and the spaces (45) between them. 2. Aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) according to claim 1, wherein the second flow path (62, 82, 102) increases the mixing of the product formulation and breaks up agglomerations of solids in the product formulation. by an interaction of the product formulation with the compression spring (44, 74). Aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) according to claim 1, wherein the second flow path (62, 82, 102) reduces blocking incidents and therefore decreases the product failure rate of the aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) by further mixing the product formulation and breaking up the solid clumps in the spring coil. 4. Aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) according to claim 1, wherein the lower position partially, but not completely, compresses the turns of the spring coil. Aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path (60, 80, 100) has few abrupt changes in the flow direction to decrease the resistance and back pressure of the flow of product formulation through it. Aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path (60, 80, 100) has few places where the product formulation can agglomerate and impede the flow of the formulation. of product. Aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) according to claim 1, wherein the second flow path (62, 82, 102) is through the coils of the uncompressed coil spring and the spaces (45) between the turns to cause a turbulent flow path. 8. Aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) according to claim 1, wherein the coils and the spaces (45) between them direct the product formulation to flow inward and upward through the central space of the valve spring. compression (44, 74), such that the product formulation cascades through an upper end of the compression spring (44, 74) where it enters the valve stem opening (58) and flows into the orifice center (54), thereby increasing an amount of the product formulation entering the valve stem opening (58) and the center hole (54). Aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) according to claim 1, wherein all, or substantially all, of the product formulation flows into and through the spaces (45) between the turns of the spring coil before entering into the valve stem opening (58). Aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) according to claim 1, wherein the bottom of the valve stem (46, 76, 96) is shaped to form a flow passage through which the product formulation flows. when the aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) is actuated. The aerosol valve (40, 70, 90) according to claim 1, wherein the product formulation comprises a mixture of a chemical composition and a propellant. Aerosol valve (90) according to claim 1, wherein the valve stem (46, 76, 96) is vertical in a closed non-actuated position, and tilts away from vertical when the aerosol valve (90) is triggered. Aerosol valve (90) according to claim 12, wherein the valve stem (46, 76, 96) is inclined between about 5% and about 10% from a vertical position in the mounting cup (50) to actuate the aerosol valve (90). 14. Procedure for using an aerosol valve (40, 70) to dispense a product formulation from a container, the procedure comprising: pressing a valve stem (46, 76, 96) of the aerosol valve (40, 70) to actuate the aerosol valve (40, 70) to dispense the product formulation, where the aerosol valve (40, 70 ) understands: a mounting cup (50) on the container that orients the aerosol valve (40, 70) on the container; a gasket (52) located on the mounting cup (50); a valve stem housing (48) located below the mounting cup (50) and adjacent to the gasket (52), the valve stem housing (48) defined by an internal chamber having a base, a upper part defined by a first diameter, a lower part defined by a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and a middle part of a variable diameter that decreases between the upper part and the lower part, the middle part having the shell valve stem (48) a surface along an entire internal circumference of the valve stem housing (48), the surface being inclined to connect the upper part to the lower part to create an annular hard abutment surface ( 49); a valve stem (46, 76, 96) located in the valve stem housing (48) such that an upper portion projects through and above the gasket (52), the valve stem (46) comprising , 76, 96), a valve stem opening (58), a center hole (54), and a member (59), wherein the valve stem (46, 76, 96) can be moved from a higher position when the aerosol valve (40, 70) is in a closed, non-actuated position, to a lower position when the aerosol valve (40, 70) is fully actuated; a compression spring (44, 74) located in the valve stem housing (48) and for supporting the valve stem (46, 76, 96) by the member (59), the compression spring (44, 74) comprising ): a spring coil which, in a first position, forms a plurality of spaces (45) with each space (45) between adjacent turns; Y a central space circumscribed by the spring coil with a central space diameter, wherein the spring coil and valve stem housing (48) define a first flow path (60, 80, 100) and a second flow path (62, 82, 102) when the product formulation in the reservoir flows upward under pressure, Y wherein the first flow path (60, 80, 100) is in and through the central space of the compression spring (44, 74), around the outside of the valve stem (46, 76, 96), entering the opening valve stem (58) and in the center hole (54), Y release the valve stem (46, 76, 96) to stop the dispensing of the product formulation, characterized in that the valve stem opening (58) is arranged radially through the valve stem (46, 76, 96), the center hole (54) extends from the top to at least the valve stem opening (58) to provide fluid communication between the valve stem housing (48) and the valve stem (46, 76, 96), the member (59) is disposed around a circumference of the valve stem (46, 76, 96) below the valve stem opening (58), the seal (52) covers the valve stem opening (58) when the valve stem (46, 76, 96) is in the closed non-actuated position, the annular hard abutment surface (49) of the valve stem housing (48) and the member (59) are interference structures that prevent the spring coil from having its turns fully together, wherein the second flow path (62, 82, 102) is in and through the turns of the spring coil and the spaces (45) between them.